Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 21

Back at home.

Susan gave her a sly grin. "Spill it. When did this happen? Weren't you head over heels for James?"

"There's nothing between us."

Emily shoved the gift bag into Susan's arms. "This is for you."

"Nothing?" Susan glanced at the bag, her voice rising an octave. "If there's nothing, why did he keep you back? Why send you this? I think he's definitely into you!"

"Into me?"

Emily poured herself a glass of water. "He knows I'm married."

"Don't underestimate a man's willingness to be the ‘other guy' for love."

"..."

Susan opened the gift bag. "He says it's for me, but this is clearly your size."

Inside the bag was a dress and some jewelry.

Susan draped the necklace around Emily's neck. "Your swan neck was missing something to complement it."

"I don't—"

"Stop."

Susan cut her off. "Just bear with it, my dear. He's the investor. We need to keep him happy. Even if you're annoyed, wait until after the product launch to reject him."

"Besides, you deserve to treat yourself. A beautiful woman is worth a man's lavish attention."

The gala.

Perfume, glittering dresses, and clinking glasses.

For the sake of the project, Emily showed up.

Susan introduced her to friends who were collaborating with the company, and Emily toasted each one.

Then, someone bumped into her.

Ice-cold wine spilled all over her dress.

Lily straightened up, looking pitifully at Emily. "Emily, I..."

Emily frowned.

She glanced at Lily, catching the faint smirk on her lips.

How boring. The same old tricks.

The wine stained her dress, dripping onto the floor.

The dress was ruined.

Emily sighed inwardly. She had planned to return it to Alex later, but now she'd have to pay for it.

Susan was furious. "Lily, if I were your parents, I'd take you for a checkup. Make sure you're not secretly a third-degree klutz."

Lily and Emily had never gotten along.

Susan didn't like her either.

Everyone could see Lily had done it on purpose.

The crowd burst into laughter. Lily's eyes welled up with tears. "Susan, I just twisted my ankle. I didn't mean to."

Susan snorted. "Funny how your ankle twisted just in time to spill wine on her and no one else."

Susan got the message and pursed her lips.

Hmph, that little schemer got off easy.

As she turned to leave, she spotted Alex nearby.

Her eyes lit up, and she called out, "Mr. Alex, over here!"

Alex approached, glanced at the stain on Emily's dress, and immediately understood.

He handed Emily a glass of juice. "That dress suits you."

Emily nodded.

She pinched Susan's arm. This girl was up to no good.

Susan swatted her hand away. "Not just the dress. The whole set of jewelry complements you perfectly."

Dress, jewelry—way more thoughtful than someone else.

Her tone carried a hint of boastfulness, as if deliberately aimed at James.

Emily's ears turned red. She was about to take the juice when Alex's hand slipped, and the glass spilled right onto Lily's dress.

"Ah—"

Lily let out a piercing scream.

Alex looked surprised and apologized. "Sorry, my hand slipped."

He said it casually, not sounding very apologetic.

Lily's face turned red with anger. This was a high-end dress she'd spent a fortune on, and now it was ruined!